Having a filling or crown doesn’t make you unique! The simple truth is over 70% of adults have at least one filling. They are excellent at repairing damage to your teeth and helping to protect them from further decay. In fact, fillings can also help you to keep your smile and, therefore, your confidence.
But, no matter how good the filling is, it is unlikely to last forever. You’re going to need to know what to do if it comes out.
Don’t Panic
A filling or crown usually comes loose when you bite into something. It is certainly a shock. But, you shouldn’t panic. Ideally, you can put your fingers in your mouth and remove the filling or crown. This is generally better than swallowing it. But, if you do swallow it then don’t worry, it will pass through your system and you’re probably not going to re-use it.
That said, if you have managed to save a crown a good dentist will assess it to see if it’s possible to re-use it.
Pain Relief
It’s possible you will feel pain where the filling or crown was. If this is the case use standard painkillers to numb the pain. You’ll also find it a good idea to visit the online dental shop and get some sensitive toothpaste, a soft toothbrush, and clove oil.
The clove oil can be applied to the area to minimize pain and the toothpaste/brush will be useful while looking after your tooth.
Contact the dentist
You can contact your dentist and ask for an emergency appointment. They should have something available within the next 24 hours. This will minimize the time you have to look after the exposed tooth.
Temporary Filling
Another thing you can get from the online shop is a temporary filling material. This can be stuffed into the tooth to help protect it against decay and bacteria. If it is a crown that has been dislodged, carefully clean the inside of the crown and then cover the inside with dental cement. You can then slide it back into position to protect the teeth.
If you can’t get dental cement then you can use dental wax, which secures the crown or you can mold it over the tooth where the filling was.
Pay Extra Attention To Oral Hygiene
When you’ve lost a filling or crown you’ll need to be extra careful with your cleaning process. That means using a soft toothbrush to gently brush the area and using sensitive toothpaste to prevent excess pain. This is also where the clove oil comes in useful as it is a natural pain reliever.
It’s also a good idea to rinse your mouth with salted water. This kills the bacteria and dilutes any acid in your mouth, effectively protecting your teeth while you wait for your appointment with the dentist.
It is important to note, covering a filling or reattaching a crown is a temporary measure, you need to see your dentist to get the repair done properly.
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